Running "explorer" in Task Manager fails to re-launch Windows desktop

[Zarbol Csar]

When I lost the Windows desktop I launched Task Manager and ran the
command "explorer" (without quotes).

Instead of the the desktop getting relanched all I got was Windows
Explorer!

I also tried "explorer.exe" and "explore" but still could not launch
the desktop. This has happened the last few times I have been in the
same situation.

How do I fix this?

Thanks!

---

This may be connected ... a registry setting seems slightly corrupt
because when I launch a folder on the desktop I get Windows Explorer
but with a folder view on the left. With these folder I normally see
just a single pane without the folder view on the left.

 

[Alex Nichol]

When I lost the Windows desktop I launched Task Manager and ran the
command "explorer" (without quotes).

Instead of the the desktop getting relanched all I got was Windows
Explorer!

I also tried "explorer.exe" and "explore" but still could not launch
the desktop. This has happened the last few times I have been in the
same situation.

You may have lost desktop without explorer actually having shut down;
that way running it again will just give the next instance - on My
Documents. If you invoke Task Manager in those circumstances, check the
Processes page for an explorer item, highlight and End Process. Then
run the new instance.

It may be you just lost desktop icons; if the task bar still is present
look in Quick Launch for the Show Desktop item and click that as first
action

 

[Zarbol Tsar]

You may have lost desktop without explorer actually having shut
down; that way running it again will just give the next instance
- on My Documents. If you invoke Task Manager in those
circumstances, check the Processes page for an explorer item,
highlight and End Process. Then run the new instance.

It may be you just lost desktop icons; if the task bar still is
present look in Quick Launch for the Show Desktop item and click
that as first action

Alex, great answer. You are dead right that I just lose the desktop
icons (and taskbar too) but the process Explorer is still running.